BANBURY HEARING CENTRE - Key Persons
Aimee studied Behavioural Science at Flinders University in South Australia before undertaking a Masters in Audiology. Following her qualification, she then worked as an Audiologist in Queensland for three years before moving to the UK. It was after her move that Aimee then undertook a role within the NHS as a Chief Audiologist, until she decided to join The Hearing Care Partnership.
"I joined The Hearing Care Partnership to be able to better serve my patients with access to better hearing instruments. It also allows me to spend more time with each individual, and take a patient-centred approach to my care. With The Hearing Care Partnership, I am most looking forward to using the very latest technology to help get the best result for all of my patients.
Outside of work, I love to travel, exercise and spend time with my friends and family."
Anisah is an accomplished hearing care professional who takes a great deal of pride in her work. Anisah holds a degree in Healthcare Science with a speciality in Audiology, and throughout her studies, she was recognised with three prestigious awards, including the highest dissertation mark, the highest mark in clinical practice, and the best research project. She has since gone on to be a forum representative for West Midlands and a Diversity and Inclusions lead before joining us here at The Hearing Care Partnership.
Anisah decided to join The Hearing Care Partnership because of all the amazing things she had about the company and the opportunity it allows her to work with a wide range of hearing technology. Within her role, Anisah enjoys developing her clinical expertise and working alongside her practice teams.
When she's not working, Anisah indulges in her hobbies, which include charity fundraising, henna art, baking and cooking.
Antonio has always had a passion for science, knowing from an early age that he wanted to work in healthcare. He had a particular interest in both Physics and Biology, and it was the link between these two sciences that led him towards pursuing Audiology. In 2012, Antonio decided to further his knowledge in the area and started his studies for a Bachelor's degree in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology from the University of Bangalore, India.
After completing his degree and working for a year around his home town of Goa, Antonio took the massive leap and moved to England so he could undertake a Masters degree in Audiology at the University of Southampton in 2017.
Since completing his Masters in 2018, Antonio has worked within the NHS for a number or years, allowing him to form a strong foundation in clinical audiology and, more importantly, in patient-centred care.
Antonio felt it was time to begin looking for a new challenge, somewhere he could carry on developing his skills, which is when he discovered THCP.
"Having worked within the NHS, I was looking for an organisation which holds the same key values around service and patient care as I do, and that's when I decided to join The Hearing Care Partnership.
Outside of work I enjoy reading books on science, economics, politics and history. I am also an avid traveller and keen explorer of National Trust properties."
Aphra decided to take up a career in Audiology when she met her (now) husband, Matt. He was enjoying his job in hearing care so much that it inspired her to follow this path.
After completing her education, Aphra began her audiology training with the Hearing Aid Council and passed in 2005 with distinction. Following this, she went straight into working as a full-time audiologist in a domiciliary role, covering areas across the South, London and Surrey.
Since then, Aphra has gained valuable experience working in optical practices, giving her an insight into working as part of a team as well as working alongside optometrists. In 2013, she was given the position of Senior Audiologist and became heavily involved with the training of other audiologists, specialising in hearing aid accessories and offering a more holistic solution to her patients' hearing care needs. Aphra has also hosted numerous talks to educate care home staff and residents about hearing, ear health and hearing tests.
"I simply love working for The Hearing Care Partnership! After many years working within the industry, I feel that I have found the company where I belong. I am so pleased to be able to offer a patient-centred approach, with the best and most thorough testing methods and a superb level of aftercare. It is wonderful to work with such a supportive team who help me to expand my knowledge and be the best audiologist I can be.
Alpha Baker was superb. Professional, confident, knowledgeable; put me at my ease, friendly, smart, easy to talk to, listened carefully to all I said. Diagnosed and sorted my problem and referred on to appropriate agencies for treatment. Would recommend her without any hesitation.
I recently had a ear wax removal appointment with Aphra. The consultation was very friendly and extremely thorough. As well as carrying out the ear wax removal very efficiently, Aphra noticed an issue in my right ear. She then took the time to write to my Doctor suggesting a referral to the ear, throat and nose clinic and provided supporting pictures also. All in all, I couldn't recommend the Hearing Care Partnership more highly!
It was a first class professional service which has improved my mums hearing from 7% mid range up to 80% which I can not tell you how much that has changed her life from missing everything what was said to being able to join in to conversations again, thank you so much Matt Baker. I can not recommend these guys enough, Many thanks, Paul Crosby.
Aqsa obtained her BSc Audiology degree from London. She was ranked top 3 within her cohort and produced an outstanding dissertation that led her on to her graduating with a First Class Honours. She comes from a strong NHS background and has worked in many NHS departments across the UK, including a Senior Audiologist position in her very first year of working.
"From a newborn baby being comforted by its mother's voice, to a 100 year old being able to hear the laughter of his great grandchildren, it is certain that the sense of hearing is a great gift to human life. Therefore, I could not think of a more fulfilling role at The Hearing Care Partnership, where I am able to use the world's best hearing technology and equipment to perform miracles on my patients who are hearing impaired. I believe the expertise, resources, time and technology available at THCP is simply incomparable to any other."
Outside of work, Aqsa loves to cook and try different cuisines. She is a foodie - so do not be surprised if you spot cupcakes in the corner of her audiology room! In her spare time, you'll find her catching up on a Netflix series or knitting with her best friend, who she also calls Grandma.
Austin has a strong background in science, with degrees in Natural Sciences, Biotechnology and Audiology. He has extensive experience in the assessment and rehabilitation of adults and children with hearing loss, having worked for the NHS prior to joining The Hearing Care Partnership. Austin is dual-registered with the HCPC as a Clinical Scientist and Hearing Aid Dispenser.
With his strong focus on providing patient-centred hearing care, Austin appreciates that his working environment permits ample time and access to the best technology. This ensures he can help his patients to live a life uncompromised by hearing loss.
Austin has a young family and spends his spare time enjoying nature and outdoor pursuits: "I love getting out into the great outdoors, whether hiking or cycling, or just indulging in a round of golf!"
My first visit to Austin Timoney was by necessity. My hearing had deteriorated significantly and I was a walk in. Over three visits he was able to pinpoint the problems, write a report for my doctor and suggest and fit the correct hearing aids. Once fitted they have been a remarkable success and restored my everyday hearing to a comfortable degree, much to the relief of my wife and the neighbours whilst watching TV. Austin is calm, knowledgeable and friendly and I will continue relying on his expertise in future years.
Had some new hearing aids from The Hearing care partnership in Cheltenham. Excellent service from Austin who explained everything really clearly and was very knowledgeable.Showed real patience and answered all my questions very thoroughly. Would highly recommend practice especially Austin.
Carl has over 15 years of experience working within audiology, starting as an associate audiologist for the NHS. He has since spent many years working for a large high-street optical and hearing care chain where he worked his way up through the ranks, and in recent years became a mentor and trainer for new audiologists.
"I joined The Hearing Care Partnership because I had always heard of the company's good reputation within the industry, and was very excited to have the opportunity to join such a great team!"
Celeste is a Speech Therapist and Audiologist from South Africa, with 24 years of experience in Diagnostic Audiology and hearing aid fitting.
"I am absolutely passionate about providing the best service for all patients, improving their quality of life and their communicative abilities. I thrive on problem-solving and continual learning, always striving to improve myself. I believe the formation of authentic and empathetic relationships with patients is vital to genuine interaction and trust. My role as an Audiologist allows me to empower patients through a better self-understanding about their hearing and how hearing aids improve their communication and their links to family and friends, as well as improving brain networks.
"I am looking forward to sharing my skills and learning from the THCP team.
I am so glad I found this service. Historically, I had gone to the doctor for ear wax removal but found this service providing suction removal of ear wax which is so much better and Celeste who carried out the removal was exceptional in her professionalism - I would highly recommend this service to anyone.
Would highly recommend the hearing care partnership. Celeste has been extremely helpful and is in contact regularly to ensure I am completely happy with my new hearing aids. Was able to do a repair very quickly. Fantastic and friendly service.
This examination was excellent and most rewarding. Celeste began by asking about my hearing and matters where it may be especially important such as my pastimes (I forgot to mention my increasing interest in listening to radio recordings and podcasts). She described the steps that the examination would follow and began by inspecting my ears. There was wax that had to be removed and Celeste did that gently and carefully using microsuction. I knew the ears had been well cleaned, not just because of the way they felt, but because Celeste showed me images before and after the cleaning as well as pieces of wax she had removed. She suggested I used a different product for keeping my ears free of excess wax, advice that I have followed. The hearing tests then followed using different sounds at different volumes and recognition of word sounds. It ended with Celeste confirming that my hearing was within normal limits. Later she emailed me a copy of the audiogram to confirm the results. From the outset I found Celeste very approachable and I never felt that I should not ask a question or make a comment. For instance, regarding the hearing tests, I told her that I was conscious that I was tempted to guess some sounds at low volumes; and that when a sound was loud, I would be confident of hearing it when the sound started and indicate my hearing at that point but that when a sound was scarcely audible, I often became aware of the sound only at the point when it stopped: I felt I would be guessing until the sound stopped so I would indicate my hearing at that point. I was reassured when Celine clearly understood what I thought may have been muddled and trivial comments and assured me that the system provided for such possibilities. Throughout the examination Celine showed knowledge and experience both in our conversations and by working in a diligent, methodical way, for me a sign of a professional practitioner. Celeste's attitude and approach gave me complete confidence in the results and left me feeling that the examination had been time well spent.
A very professional and friendly hearing assessment and service was provided by Celeste and Natalie at Bexhill. Thank you very much.
I saw Celeste at Martin Steel in Arundel for a check-up on my hearing aids. Both my hearing aids and I were given really excellent professional care. Expert, skilled and thorough, with explanation provided to me throughout. This, coupled with Celeste's very pleasant and friendly manner, made for a notably good experience. I would certainly recommend this practice highly. Oh, and Celeste also provided me with useful information for my husband to help him amend his ways re communication with the hard-of-hearing!
I recently had a hearing test conducted by Celeste in Baracloughs (Battle). Not only was Celeste extremely thorough and professional, she was also very informative and personable.
Having had hearing aids for almost twenty years my quest to combat my increasing hearing loss has proven difficult and frustrating. Over recent years, my hearing loss has increased and despite my attempts with a number of providers to improve my situation with new hearing aids and frequent adjustments, it was all to no avail. I know I had reached that point where I was starting to close down. Conversations had become really difficult with constant requests from me for them to repeat what had been said which was frustrating for both sides. My wife suggested that I try Barracloughs in Battle, who are part of the Hearing Care Partnership, so I made an appointment for an hearing assessment. The appointment with their audiologist Celeste De Freitas was very thorough and clearly confirmed the extent of my hearing loss. As a result, I have my new hearing aids and the difference is incredible, no more asking the family to repeat themselves and no more guessing or trying to lip read what people are saying. I can hear bird song and so many other things that I had forgotten about. Thank you Celeste, you have given me my hearing back which has made such a difference in so many ways.
Recently had a hearing test with Celeste de Freitas at Bexhill. The test was comprehensive and at all times Celeste carefully explained what was being done and what the results meant. I agreed a contract for hearing aids and have since returned to collect them and then have a follow up appointment last week. At all times Celeste took time to explain the fitting of the aids and their care. She has been friendly and professional throughout.
Celeste was very assured and assuring, polite and professional, all as I would expect from anyone associated with Martin Steels, Arundel.
I was so impressed by the way Celeste welcomed a family member I needed to bring with me to a follow-up consultation. She took great care in informing both of us about the interaction of the hearing aids with the brain. Her attention to detail, and the time taken to explain the use, cleaning and maintenance of my hearing aids was exemplary. My quality of life has improved and the ability to hear sounds such as birdsong again is amazing. Thank you for such a professional and enjoyable service.
I was seen by Audiologist Celeste de Freitas. She was very careful, professional and gentle. Each step of my treatment and the following tests were described beforehand and the results explained thoroughly.
Charlie was first introduced to the world of audiology when he decided to take up lessons in sign language at the age of fifteen. This sparked his interest in the subject and led him to undertake volunteer work with a deaf charity in South Manchester, before embarking on a 4 year integrated Masters in Audiology at Southampton University.
After graduating, Charlie began working for a high-street Hearing Care chain, providing excellent quality of care across a number of practices in the London area. During his time there, Charlie also had the unique opportunity to promote hearing awareness including organising a hearing awareness day at the BBC TV Centre in White City.
After more than 3 years, Charlie decided to follow a new opportunity to provide quality hearing care with The Hearing Care Partnership and has so far found the experience extraordinarily rewarding:
"I have been blown away by the support I have received from all aspects of The Hearing Care Partnership and the teams I get to work alongside. Their total focus on giving the best possible experience for all their clients is completely in-line with why I became an audiologist. I cannot wait for this journey to continue and be able to help to provide both the best quality care and the best quality hearing aids to all who need it!"
Outside of audiologist, Charlie is extremely keen on cooking and occasionally performs improvised comedy shows in London.
Cheryl started her career working within an optical setting, during which time she gained an extensive knowledge of client care and business management. Seven years ago, Cheryl was approached by the Director of Hearing to train as an audiologist, and has never looked back.
Cheryl's passion for people and love of audiology are the perfect fit. She always puts the needs of her patients first, guiding them through their diagnosis and finding them the solution that suits their requirements, enabling her to help people live life to the full and more in the world.
Outside of work Cheryl spends her spare time practising her photography skills and spending time with her family. "Photographs hold so many memories suspended in time, that I can often be found taking pictures of the same thing for hours just to get the best shot!"
Claire has had a long and varied career within Audiology, which began in 1997 when she completed a Masters of Science in Audiology. She qualified to work as a Clinical Scientist in the NHS and afterwards as a Masters-level Audiologist in Australia. On return to the UK, Claire worked her way up to Head of Paediatric, and then Adult Audiology at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, also working one day a week as a lecturer on the BSc of Audiology. However, her love of clinical face-to-face work prompted a decision to train to work in the private sector and has worked privately as a Hearing aid Audiologist since 2007. During this time she has also worked as an assessor of other NHS and private departments to check their standards.
"I am excited to be working for The Hearing Care Partnership as they allow me to work to very high clinical standards, using the very best hearing aid technology and to spend the time with my patients so they can achieve the very best outcomes.
After wearing NHS hearing aids for about two years , it was a delight to be able to hear all about me and listen to the radio at the same time. It is also so useful to be able to fine tune the performance. I had the most excellent service from Claire at Bridgeland Street and the after service has been excemplary . I really am most grateful to Claire and the little darlings in my ears.
Excellent visit. I went to check my hearing and was treated with empathy, care and professionalism by Claire Francis. Each part of the process was well explained and it was a very interesting experience. I didn't need hearing aids but have every confidence that when I eventually do, that it will be a positive visit in every respect. Thank you Claire for making my first visit so positive!
Colin has worked in private audiology up and down the country for the past 20 years. He decided to join The Hearing Care Partnership because they align with his values and beliefs, particularly in their emphasis on patient-centred care, premium service, and customer satisfaction.
"Working with The Hearing Care Partnership, I am most looking forward to delivering excellence to all my patients.